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exercise

I know, I know… new year means, “new me” right? Wrong! I’ve realized that I’ve been looking at getting healthy incorrectly all of these years. I didn’t start putting on my weight till after I had kids, so I guess, you could say that my mentality was a tad bit construed, or maybe I was just lazy. But, this year (I actually started in December 2017), I’m making a change in not only my thoughts and how I view things, but what I’m doing to get to my healthy me. Today I share with you my 2018 Personal Fitness Goals. I whole-heartily agree that a person’s fitness and health goals should be tapered and adjusted, customized and unique to that particular person. We aren’t cookies, so, therefore, we shouldn’t have cookie-cutter goals and routines. Don’t you agree?

Try New Things: I really want to be able to embrace new workouts by trying new things and including a variety of different stuff. By doing so you will encourage your body to continue burning fat for energy and increasing your metabolism. While I know it, I often get stuck in the same rut. My schedule is never my own, so I workout and exercise around everyone else’s time. Because of this, I find myself doing what I know works and that fits within that given time frame. The problem is that my body eventually gets to a standstill and as I plateau, I get discouraged. I have somewhat figured out a way around this. By creating a schedule block of different exercises throughout the week, changing between interval training, cardio and stretching as well as a good walk/jog each week, my body will still be active while still burning fat and building leaner muscle. Adding in additional dance and hip-hop fitness into the mix is a great way to jumpstart the routines as I’m changing them around throughout the month. I’ll test my theory and I’ll get back with all of you on how it has worked for me.

Get Running: I also look at my current fitness and exercise regimen and compare it to what I used to do before. I bet most people didn’t know that I was a runner. I ran cross country and track in middle school and high school. I used to be pretty fast too. After a few ankle injuries in the last 20-25 years and a bad knee, I stopped running or even jogging and it’s been a struggle for me to get back on track. By the end of this year, I want to be able to at least jog without being in so much pain. I have been slowly increasing my walks to a light jog lately and I noticed that it’s a challenge for my aches and pains. But with proper support and effort, I think I can include low impact running into my workout routine before the end of the year.

Planks, Pull ups and Push ups – oh my: Before planks were a popular thing, my Daddy had me doing them along with pull ups and push ups each day. It’s how I kept my core strong and strengthened my arms so that I could paddle my surfboard out to the wave breaks and stand up on the board, balance and catch a wave. It’s been years since I’ve been able to really do any of those things. However, I’ve been slowly incorporating all three into my exercise regimen the last month. I’d love to be able to do planks, push ups and pull ups easily, without having to stop to take a break between each set. I’d also like to be able to do it the challenging way instead of easy. I think by incorporating a little of it in each workout, by the end of the year, I’ll be to able to do it without struggling.

Positive affirmation and goals: You see the photo above? Well, that photo was taken in 1998, back when I was smaller than a size 8 and 125 lbs wet. It seems like a lifetime ago. Obviously, I have had three children (2 pregnancies) and I weigh more than 150 lbs above that weight that I am in that photo. I’m realistic that I can do well and I can lose my weight, tone my muscles and build lean muscle, but, honestly, I will never look the same again. I will have saggy skin once I lose my weight and that’s something I have to deal with, but I will be healthy and happy because I accomplished it all. My biggest fitness goal this year is to use my past body as inspiration, determination and drive to be a healthier person, not using it as a way to bring me down. Our lives are filled with enough negativity and lack of drive, that I want to make sure that I’m not soaking all the bad energy in. I’m doing all of this for a healthier me so that I can be there for my husband and sons. It doesn’t matter what anyone says or the looks they give because it doesn’t feed my drive to be a better me. My goal this year is to keep positivity around me as much as possible so that I can be much more successful in this healthier lifestyle.

Just me on one of my daily walks.

My 2018 Fitness goals are minimal but I believe they will make a huge impact on me. Besides, when we try out new things or focus on things to drive us, sometimes starting off small is the key. What about you? Do you have any fitness goals for this year? Is there anything in particular that you would like to try or incorporate into the year to get you on track?

This post was done in collaboration with some of my favorite Beauty and Lifestyle Bloggers. Head on over to their links below and check them out.

I bet you didn’t know, just by looking at me, that I walk or run a mile to two miles five days a week! Or that I exercise, workout or I spend lots of time on the elliptical at least 3x a week. Running or walking is my way of clearing my mind and keeping me motivated, active and allows me to really bring out my creative side and working out, well – it keeps me healthy and helps with my asthma. A few weeks ago I was in a grocery market when a lady snickered at the fact that I had picked up a pint of ice cream… basically saying… “Are you sure you need to be buying that?” I let it go, but I then realized that there is such a common misconception that if you are plus sized, or larger than most that you are obese or overweight. The fact of the matter is, yes – I could stand to lose about 100 pounds to make myself healthier for my children, my husband and me – but that doesn’t mean that I’m necessarily unhealthy as so many will assume that I am. Prior to having children, I was a size 8, petite in body with a large bust and behind and after having children certain medical ailments have assisted with my weight gain. I’m not an over eater, but because of my physique – I often get pegged as “the fat girl”. I realized a few years ago that while I’m on my journey to get healthy and stay healthy (regardless of my size), many will not see it as such. So – now I am categorized as a plus sized lady and hey, at this moment in time… it’s who I am and I’m okay with it. The important thing is that I continue to live a healthy life to the best of my ability – regardless of what the social standards may outline. Yes, I do have extra baggage on me, but – I do live a reasonably healthy lifestyle. Today – after giving this topic some thought, I figured it would be a great way to not only share my story but also a few tips that can help you make small changes to your life for a healthy lifestyle. 5 easy, healthy lifestyle changes anyone can make and anyone can do. Feeling a little frumpy or just feel like you need a boost of endorphins or happy thoughts or need a little pick me up? These tips are simple, easy and you can do them too.

Drink more water

This particular tip may seem like a no-brainer, but the fact of the matter is… most people do not consume or drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. I love water and I love that I can add a little bit of lemon to my water and I am hydrated for longer periods. I’m really good at drinking the recommended amount but if I don’t I make sure I have a trusty timer go off every so often so I do not forget. Having a bottle with you at all times helps A LOT. I fill up my Hydroflask with ice and water and take it with me whenever I’m on the go so I always have water available that is cold and refreshing whenever I need it. Just adding the 8 glasses of water to your daily intake each day will make a huge difference in a healthier lifestyle.

Get up and move, walk your way to healthy

It may seem like it’s no big deal, but walking increases not only your oxygen but also helps in you regulating your breathing. But, I get it – life can get busy and sometimes you can’t find the time… as a busy mother, I know this all too well. There are still so many ways to get your walking in. Park further away from the store, at the back of the parking lot (be careful to watch your surroundings if you are by yourself) and get a little extra walking time in that way. I hate battling for parking stalls – especially when I’m at places like Costco or Walmart, so I’ll just park far and walk – exercise and a little extra steps are worth it. You can also park your car at the end of the drive way instead of right near the house. Since my mailbox is at the bottom of the drive way and we have another house in front of us, I like to walk back and forth to the mailbox a few times if I know I can’t devote any time to walking that day. And, sometimes walking by yourself is boring… so head to your local big box store like Target, Walmart, etc. and just walk around the store window shopping (if you can avoid the need to make a purchase) and get some walking done there. Last week while walking around target I clocked over 1200 steps just browsing the store and it didn’t feel like exercise to me.

Got a sweet tooth? Don’t let it get the best of you

Let’s face it – we all have it… that dreaded sweet tooth that makes us crave those favorite goodies that satisfy our souls. For me, it can be ice cream, gummy bears or the occasional chocolate. Thankfully – I am not the type of person that feels the “need” to have them, but I do have my moments. Instead of letting these things get the best of me, I just don’t keep them around me but I also don’t deprive myself if I have a craving. The key is moderation and control. Since I know I like ice cream – I will either replace my ice cream with a frozen smoothie with frozen fruit or make a sorbet and if that really doesn’t work, I will eat some ice cream, but make sure to choose the smallest bowl in the house to serve me in. Sometimes all we need is the taste on our tongue to satisfy that craving and a little of it will go a long way. Also – stock your house with fruits, when you want that snack – have a small bowl of fruit and you will be amazed at how fast it will curb that craving.

Stop drinking soda or try to eliminate it the best you can

I never drank soda growing up and once I was really introduced to the taste of it in my early 20s, it was hard to ignore. I’m a Pepsi girl and my husband and I both enjoy Pepsi soda as well (who do you think introduced it to me? haha). It was a hard one to battle and while we don’t stock soda in our house, we still treat ourselves from time to time. I NEED soda with Pizza. I know, I know – no one needs soda… but it’s something I look forward to when I have a piece of pie to eat. So if we really find the need, my husband and I will share a can of it together. That way – we get the flavor, the satisfaction and we are not stuck with a huge case of it in our house and feel the need to drink it all. We can go a whole year without it and then one day, we find the need to taste the yummy, sugary carbonated flavor we enjoy and we’ll treat ourselves. If you can quit cold turkey – do it… if not, just try eliminating it to the best of your ability until you don’t find the need for it any longer.

Get up – stand up, stand up for your life!

As someone who works from home, I can find myself on the computer for hours at a time trying to work on campaigns, type out posts, answering emails… etc. Like with any job, the time can get away with you when you have a deadline or are busy working. But, you should always remember that it’s important to get up once in a while, stand and stretch – walk away from your desk. This will not only allow you to take a breather, maybe have a second to gather your thoughts, but also stretch those muscles and move. Standing up is so important to help in the blood flow of your body and it also helps to give you a little boost of energy that you may be needing after sitting a while.

While this is just a starter list, there are so many more things you can do to make a healthy lifestyle change. Remember, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable to do and it shouldn’t make you feel like you are dreading it each day. Living a healthy lifestyle could mean that you are getting an extra 10 minutes of walking in, each day or you cut out your favorite junk food. Rome wasn’t built in a day and things take time. These steps and tips are there to help you be more confident in your choices. If I can do them, well – you certainly can too. Remember, a little at a time and you’ll see a change. Also – if you are in the same boat as I am, know that no one can make you feel terrible – but yourself. Have faith, think positive and know that I’m cheering you on. A healthy lifestyle isn’t about killing yourself at the gym or starving yourself… it’s about being healthy so you can live life. Good luck!

Like posts like these? It’s been a while since I have done these types but I promise there will be a lot more coming soon. 😉

xo

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. I was not paid to provide my thoughts and this post is not sponsored.

Running, walking or any form of working out is so much better with music and because of this, I’m always looking for a way to stash my phone that holds all my favorite workout tunes. I have done everything under the sun from sticking my phone in a pocket – which, let’s be honest, most of my exercise clothing doesn’t have. I have even held my phone in my hands (ear phones connected) in an attempt to still get a full workout in for the day. But recently I was introduced to the TKO Running Belt with reflective trim. I have used products from TKO before and it’s a brand that I enjoy so I was so eager to try this belt out. Today I share it with all of you.

The TKO Running Belt ($12.99) works perfectly for anyone that loves a good workout, biking, running, hiking or walking. It gives you the convenience of having all of the things you would need on a workout – for me that would be my phone and my asthma inhaler, while still allowing you to be hands-free. This running belt is predominantly black with colorful reflective trim (my belt has lime trim – but available in all black, wild berry, sapphire and lime). Water-resistant design with two expandable pockets allow you to carry your necessities with ease. I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and it fit my phone as well as my inhaler in the pocket for hands free use. The belt also comes with an adjustable waist band which is a plus so that my husband and I both get use out of it and I like that it fits my wide hips.

This very lightweight belt is a great workout buddy and companion. I tend to drive to forest locations for a good run which means I’ll have my keys on hand at any given time. This pouch holds not only my keys but the important things I need to get in a good workout. Not only is the belt adjustable, but it stretches so it makes it comfortable and I like the fact that the reflective trim helps when I’m on the side of the road. The reflective trim really is a great feature for anyone that takes part in their workout outside of the home.

There are two pockets on the TKO Running Belt. One is large enough to fit my pretty big phone and the other small enough to hold onto my asthma inhaler and some of my keys. The belt is well made and the zipper is sturdy and strong. I’m really impressed with how well this belt has held up with use over the last two months as well as how convenient it has been for me. It’s nice to know that I can listen to my favorite jams and not worry about having my hands hold everything. The pocket zips up nicely and I leave it slightly open so that my headphone cord can hang out while it’s plugged into my ears.

Do you hold your music device or other things in your hands while out for a walk? I did and now I’m glad I don’t have to any longer. Check out TKO’s Running Belt and get one for yourself via their Amazon Store.

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was sent to me for review consideration. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. I was not paid to provide my thoughts or feature this product. Affiliate links are posted through out.

While Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite Holiday and it’s usually because I stuff my self like crazy. So when Black Friday comes around, instead of shopping those calories off, I choose to either go for a nice run or spend some time putting in a little cardio. One of my favorite things to do is pick up a jump rope and get some cardio in that way. With a little change up to your routine, it can easily make for a good experience and leave you feeling like you conquered the world. Between some hip hip dancing, the elliptical and a good old fashion walk or run, the Jump Rope offers me some fun and a bit of variety. I have a few Jump Ropes I enjoy using and this one from TKO is my current favorite.

TKO is a brand that my family and I are quite familiar with. Launced in 1996 by founder Garry Kurtz, TKO was the first boxing equipment company. I remember when I was in high school and in Weight Training class as the new TKO brand equipment was delivered. There were a lot of oohs and aahs. Eventually TKO evolved into a health and fitness equipment brand offering accessories and apparel as well as other lifestyle oriented products.

Their Jump Rope retails for $30, and comes in a selection of different colors (3 to be exact) for that fitness addict. I got my set in purple / pink and we all know how much I love purple so it has made working out and putting in some cardio easy for me. Honestly though, it doesn’t matter to me what color my rope is so long as it works well and helps to give me a great work out. The rope has a great rubber coated gripped handle which makes holding it while jumping secure in your hands. The vinyl rope is 9 feet in length which makes it perfect for most heights but also allows you the speed due to the weight of the rope itself, giving you the option to really burn some calories. The rope is lightweight, has metal ball-bearings and is a great option for the beginner or advanced workout person.

A good jump rope must be comfortable to hold and lightweight to allow for high intensity interval training – which this one does well with. The TKO jump rope provides fluidity of motion which means you get little strain on joints while offering a great workout. This is a great thing for me because the less strain on my knees and ankle after some bad injuries a few years back keep me able bodied to continue my work out.

Being a plus sized gal, many think I am not active enough and that’s why I look this way – but I keep a constant workout regimen and walk / run at least a mile at least 5 days of the week. Jump rope is one of those things that will offer me a great cardio workout and get my heart rate up and I use it to replace my daily walk if I’m unable to fit it into my schedule for the day. This particular one from TKO is sold at Macy’s and most major sports retailers nationwide so it’s easy to get your hands on one for yourself.

So what about you, do you use Jump rope as a part of your workout routine? If so – do you enjoy it and if not, what do you prefer?

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post was sent to me for review consideration. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. I was not paid to provide my thoughts on this product. Affiliate links are posted through out.

While staying active and getting much needed exercise can be a challenge for anyone, I find that the best way to incorporate it all into my daily life with my family is to do something fun that keeps us moving. Walking is a great way for my family to stay active because we enjoy walking our neighborhood or going on nature hikes to find awesome flora and fauna or new bugs we can discuss and research when we get home. We also love to part take in sports and swim but lately we have been enjoying a little jump rope fun in our lives. The Limm Jump Rope is a recent addition to our active lifestyle and gives us the opportunity to not only get in some much needed cardio but also have a lot of fun with each other.

So – you may be saying… What’s so great about this jump rope versus any other? Well, here’s the deal… this jump rope has a precise ball bearing system that ensure that the rope will turn smoothly and precisely while you are jumping. It makes it easy to maneuver and use. When you are working out or just having fun you definitely don’t want a rope that tangles every so many jumps and with the Limm Jump Rope – we never have that issue. We can jump several rotations and we are usually the ones that stop the rope – not the rope that stops us from jumping due to tangling. Another awesome thing we love about this rope is that it has an exclusive feature inside of the handles. This plastic piece is engineered so that you can adjust the length of the rope using your hands and doing so safely without injuring yourself. This is great for both my son and my husband and I as we are all different heights and can adjust the rope to fit our needs whenever we decide we want to use it. The rubber of the rope is durable and strong and it makes a great tool for a heavy and intense workout. This jump rope can hold up to the use and is perfect for us to use as a family or for our workouts.

While a traditional workout is definitely suggested in any situation, sometimes we need something fun for my kids to take part in it. Like I mentioned previously – we love our walks because it allows us to not only get in some cardio, but also allows us to explore the World and our surroundings. With an addition of a jump rope to that mix, the boys, my husband and I now have something else we can take part in that is not only fun, but offers a great deal of exercise and no matter how it’s done – you get a great workout.

This jump rope is light weight so if you are looking for something that is suitable for men, women and children – I think you’ll enjoy this one. As I mentioned before, it doesn’t tangle easily or at all so continuous jumping is easy. While I don’t consider this a toy – I do like to use this for my twins who are 5. My husband and I or my eldest and I will hold each end of the rope and allow the boys to jump and it is fun for them as well. Fun and exercise for the whole family! Again, adjusting the height for the rope was EASY and we enjoy this product tremendously.

You also get a 100% guarantee from Limm. Try the Limm Jump Rope for 60 days and if during that time you don’t love the comfort, quality and don’t feel it is worth every penny – they will provide you with a full refund – no questions asked. Honestly though… I have used quite a bit of jump ropes in my time and I must say – this is a really nice one for the price. Oh – did I even mention the cost? It is $18.89 on their Amazon store site but currently on sale for less than $14. Even at it’s full price – I still consider it a steal considering some of the others I have purchased from sports and fitness stores cost more and lacks the same quality.

Do you include jump roping into your exercise routine? If not – is it something you would consider doing? I believe it is fun and still offers a great workout so I surely suggest it.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for review/consideration. All opinions and thoughts are my own and 100% honest and unbiased. While I did receive the product for free, I was not paid or monetarily compensated to provide my thoughts on this product.

While I’m a stay at home mom, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s a job that most people underestimate. It’s a job I love and I take pride in but it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no days off. You’re on call all hours of the day and night and as much as the job is rewarding, it can be trying and stressful. But, I love being a mom! Come on now, look at those three adorable faces… they keep me busy, they keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the whole world. Because I’m constantly on the go and busy being a mom, I am always looking for ways to help with the stress. Here are a few steps and tips I can give busy moms like me going through the same.

1. Positive Affirmation – First of all, know that you are just too blessed to be stressed! I know, I know – this is easier said then done… but if you take a few seconds and actually say it out loud… “I’m too blessed to be stressed” you’ll be amazed at how good it will make you feel. Saying positive affirmations out loud is a great way to empower yourself. When I’m feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, this helps me in a pinch and works quickly.

2. Breathe – As simple as this one may seem… no one really stops to think about it. When a person is under stress or feeling stressed, their breathing pattern changes and they can often start taking on small, shallow breaths – which in turn can add to the symptoms of stress and make it worst. This is otherwise known as a form of hyperventilation. By controlling your breathing you can help to improve the symptoms. Slow, controlled breathing can help to relax your body, muscles and can also lower your blood pressure giving you increased energy as well as the feeling of calm and well being.

3. Exercise or Stretching – I find that sometimes just a long, good stretch will get the blood flowing in my body, give me a boost of energy and help me to get focused. It’s a proven fact that when you exercise, your body releases natural endorphins in your body giving you a boost of self confidence and even happiness. I will be honest, this is the one thing I need to incorporate more into my stressful days, but when I do – I have the feeling like I’m “unstoppable” and I can concentrate better for a solution to help with the cause of stress. Overall – I’m much more relaxed and feel less stressed.

4. Jam out to your favorite music while driving – This may not be a stress reliever if you live where there is heavy traffic, however – I find jumping into my car, opening the windows and sun roof and just listening to my favorite music helps to relieve a lot of stress. Sometimes we underestimate how helpful belting out our favorite music makes us feel. I love driving down a country road, easy listening songs on the radio and clear my mind. It works, try it. If you find yourself in heavy traffic – try putting on your favorite music and just sing along – you’ll be amazed at how fast you’ll calm down and how quick your drive will be.

5. The last tip for conquering or relieving stress comes in homeopathic form. RESCUE Pastilles is a natural stress reliever in a chewy pastille lozenge. I especially love that these are available when I need them and are non-habit forming. Just simply chew on one when you feel stressed or could use some relief. They are travel friendly and I have one in my purse at any time to help when needed. Active ingredients help you to focus, have patience and give you a balanced mind when losing control.

Keep a canister of RESCUE Pastilles in your purse in case you need it while on the go… and get natural relief in the form of a lozenge. I find that while I’m out and about, I experience a lot of anxiety if I’m rushed or have to deal with large crowds when I was not expecting to. Having RESCUE Pastilles in my purse has been a lifesaver. I have the one flavored like Black Currant and it tastes pretty good. Keep one around the house if you are looking for a quick way to provide stress relief.

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Want to try RESCUE? Click on the Printable Coupon and Buy 1 Get 1. Try RESCUE for yourself and see how it will fit in your every day life.

So – while keeping stress at a minimum is not an exact science, sometimes it’s the little things that help make it all better. Let’s face it, we live in a complicated world filled with stressors that can often damper any positive thought or situation, but learning to deal with stress and help relieve it, helps not only in our day to day – but in life. What do you use to relieve stress? Is RESCUE Pastilles something you may try?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

It’s absolutely too cold to be going out for a run or dressing up to go to the gym… or at least that is my opinion, lol. But, while it’s too chilly we shouldn’t neglect our exercise, or family time for that matter. Since the boys and I tend to be on our own while my husband is at work we find ourselves exploring or often times going on walks, but the colder months make it a little more difficult. Well, luckily we have a little fun and easy way to get our exercise in as well as family time. One of our favorite workouts comes from moving along with the Just Dance 2015 Game for Wii. Since my family loves music and loves to dance, this is fun in a case and we love it.

Just Dance 2015 is the perfect game to get the whole family up and moving. With a fresh tracklist of more than 40 of the hottest hits and throwback tunes, there’s something for everyone! Players can dance along to hit songs like “Problem” by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, or classic favorites like “Walk This Way” by Run DMC & Aerosmith.

As a family we have really enjoyed the Just Dance games over the years and were super excited to get our groove on to the 2015 game. In our opinion, while each song is definitely a hit and gets our heart pumping and our bodies moving, a few of our favorites include:

Pharrell Williams – Happy

Dead Or Alive – You Spin Me Rount (Like a Record) *A Personal Favorite since that is from my “Dancing Queen” era. lol

Maroon 5 – Maps

Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora – Black Widow

Since all three of my children love to dance, just like their parents – when the disc gets put into the game console, everyone eagerly awaits their turn and then goes for it when it’s their time. My ten year old loves the music selection since many of the songs are popular with he and his friends and the twins, they just love to rock out – dancing the night away while we all get some extra exercise in and our body moving for some extra cardio. Just Dance 2015 is a great way to get the entire family on their feet for some exercise in disguise—have fun while burning calories!

The Just Dance 2015 release includes new songs and fun wacky choreography to keep you moving and dancing to the beat of your own drum… but most importantly, it’s fun and keeps us active during this time of year when going out to play is not as feasible.

To bring awareness to National Bullying Prevention Month, Just Dance 2015 and Stomp Out Bullying have partnered to show people everywhere that “it’s okay to dance to your own beat!”

Purchase Just Dance 2015 available now on Amazon for Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 3 and Playstation 4. Depending on your system and console, pricing can and will vary.

Get your fun and dance on with your family and friends and dance to the beat of your own drum with Just Dance 2015.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

I’m all about exercise and staying active, cardio and weight resistance, but I also love using resistance bands to help strengthen my ankles. About 6 years ago I sustained a bad injury to my left ankle, resulting in a class 3 sprain. Now, I would have rather my ankle break completely so that it would heal properly, but due to the fact that it did not, my injury is a burden constantly. Having had several physical therapy appointments over the years, resistance bands has become a part of my lifestyle. I have tried several different types and brands and found that the PhantomFit Resistance Loop Bands have become a favorite of mine to use.

The PhantomFit Resistance Loop Bands ($12.99) is an affordable way to get in your exercises without all the strain of weights. The sets include a total of four bands and one nylon carrying bag. The bands included are:

1 Blue “Light” Band

1 Red “Medium” Band

1 Green “Heavy” Band

1 Black “X-Heavy” Band

After injuring my ankle, I have been using resistance bands to strengthen my ankle. While most bands do work well, I like the fact that the PhantomFit bands come in four different strengths, allowing me to start my exercises with a light band and when I’m comfortable, work my way up to the X-Heavy band (black). I also like that my husband and sons can use the bands as well. My husband, who can easily use the Black band, enjoys using the bands to strengthen his shoulder (which he had surgery on about 6 years ago). As a family, we also love using the bands as a form of exercise in place of our weights. Using the bands work well form arm, leg and ankle work outs and I love that they are durable, light weight and portable. If we are traveling, this can easily be tucked into our luggage or overnight bag without taking up any room.

PhantomFit also offers a 100% lifetime no-hassle free replacement guarantee. If it breaks, they will replace it. Overall, I am impressed with these bands and my family and I have enjoyed them over the last month. We incorporate them in our daily work out routines as well as use them to strengthen the parts of our body that need Physical Therapy. This will definitely become a brand we will use moving forward in the future.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Summer time is all about outdoor activities and enjoying the sun while it shines so bright on us during the day – however, we often do not think about activities that we can do at night or times when we are out and about after the sun sets. Because of this, I’m always looking for ways to keep myself and my family safe while we may be on the road at night or out and about during the evening time – even if it is just a stroll in the park under the stars or an evening ride on our bikes.

Since my family and I live in Hawaii, sometimes we can be out on our bikes at 7pm or later before the sun starts to set on us and then we’re caught in the dark where drivers can’t see us coming. While we enjoy the bike rides, safety is definitely an issue and can pose a problem for myself and my family. But, now my family and I are happy to LumenX as a part of our Bike rides as well as regular walks in the park or out an about.

About LumenX

Our goal is to give simple solution to people who have problems with their safety by using our LED bicycle light during drives on a gloomy afternoon or even during night time. We aim to ensure that our product requires no tools to install with its easy integrated clip feature that allows for quick mounting. It can fit around types of handlebars, seat post frame tubes and many others.

At LumenX, we pride ourselves on both good selection of best quality bike lights with advanced focusing lens design which uses only LEDs that are shockproof with a higher light output and lifespan than competitive incandescent bulbs. Our product has longer lasting battery life compared to others. Despite the excellence which our products uphold, our company maintains its low cost value to make it affordable to all.

This super bright LED light is $49.99 (on sale for $25.77) and is heavy duty and made to last. Unlike other cheap lights on the market that have broken on us and didn’t last very long, this one is ultra-powerful, portable and a 2-in-1. The light is super easy to install, which we love and if you choose you can decide to use the light unmounted, which is what I have chosen to do on several occasions. The LED light is waterproof and will shine up to 500 feet. If you are looking for a great light for your bike or just to use on its own – trust me when I say this one is well worth the cost because it is super bright and perfect for many uses.

Included with your light is a Red Tail light. This is a great feature because it is easy to turn on – you simply press the little button and the red light will either blink or stay on continuously. Passing vehicles can see you so you don’t have to worry about riding in the dark or not being visible to those around you.

I didn’t get a chance to remount the light on the bike to take photos of it – but I promise, I will take some bike photos and will post will instagram or update here… so stay tuned.

LumenX offers only the best quality LED Bicycle light which is made up of durable military grade aluminum. Our product has a flexible silicone water resistant body with advanced “O” ring seal for convenient safety features. Some unique features are bright CREE Q5 bulb, up to 500 feet light visibility with 1x – 2000x zoom and flash mode.

Our product has advanced focusing Lens design which uses only LEDs that are shockproof with a higher light output and lifespan than competitive incandescent bulbs. LumenX front bike light has dual energy efficient LEDs (1 red for the rear light and 1 white for the front light) for added safety. It has an energy-saving feature that ensures long lasting battery life which lasts up to 25 hours of constant light and 130 hours of flashing.

While all of those features are awesome, I think what stood out to me the most is it’s zoom feature. You get 1x – 2000x zoom by literally pulling out or pushing in the front portion of the flash light. It’s simple and easy to do and perfect for nights when it may be a bit cloudy and you need to concentrate your light source to see better. If you are the type of person that rather have a flashing light – that option is also in the light itself and is available for your use. My husband and family all work in Law Enforcement and while they approved this light for use on the bike for night riding… they all said they wanted one for personal use or for use on the job as well – because the features it offers without the need for separate attachments is pretty awesome.

Overall – I really like that this bike light can be universally used, not just as a bike light, but the mount can be detached and it can be used as a regular flash light with bells and whistles. If you are looking for something that is quality made and will offer you good night vision while out and about, this will surely be a great addition. I can consider this bike light and reflector definitely… “Honey Approved” and it will be a favorite in our family as it has been already.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I’ll be the first to admit that weight loss or losing weight in general is not the easiest road traveled. In 1998 I was 125 lbs (that’s when I graduated from high school) and in 2001 I was 160 lbs (that’s when I got married to the love of my life). While my weight slowly increased over the years, having children definitely added to the weight increase and while I’m working my butt off (literally – lol) to drop the weight, it’s a journey that doesn’t come easy and a goal that is ever changing in my life. It’s not just a “diet” as they say but a way of living and it’s a constant thing that I know I have to work on.

So let’s talk about my weight issue… I’m a busy lady who runs a full time business, blogs and is a team mom as well as homemaker and wife. How difficult can it be for me to eat healthy and exercise or stay active? Well, here’s where the issue lays… I don’t necessarily eat very unhealthy – portions seem to be okay, I don’t snack profusely and I have a green juice every single day. While I do have my naughty days when it comes to food, it’s quite balance with regards to veggie intake, etc. and we are not scarfing down prime-rib every 3 days. lol My issue is more about finding the time to eat and keep my metabolism going. Starving myself is not my intention but it often is what happens when you live a crazy and hectic lifestyle. I keep fairly active, chasing after my 3 kids keeps me on my toes, I do daily walks and I also incorporate work outs into my regimen to keep my cardio up. Again – it’s all about fitting time into my schedule to take time to do for me and that includes eating. Read a little more on my story about my weight loss here.

I have a little more information and explanation behind the photos above in this post here so you can get caught up if you are not sure what I’m talking about. But regardless… keep on reading because I got more to talk about. lol

So – while my journey has been long and it continues on I have had some really awesome support along the way and that is why I want to bring you all a little Weight loss Motivation. This week’s tip…

Surround yourself with those that will love and encourage you – regardless of how long your journey may take. This may be a long road for you and you may experience a plethora of negativity, but as long as you have someone who believes in you – supports you and encourages you, it makes it much easier to accomplish your goals.

It may seem like something easy to do – it may seem like that is already happening, but I’ll be the first to say that the Beauty Community whether on YouTube or other can be filled with a bunch of Negative Nancys that don’t give a you know what about you. If that wasn’t bad enough – the World in general is filled with negativity. Now – don’t get me wrong, I have a strong support system in many of my Blogger buddies and YouTube besties, but I’m talking about those that just seek to destroy. Earlier on when I first started YouTube, I got pregnant with my twins and let me just say the hurtful comments started and they didn’t stop. I am so lucky that I have a husband that supports me regardless of my choice so long as I am happy with who I am. It may seem like this is a small thing in comparison to everything else you should focus on – but it is all about support and encouragement that gets you to where you want to be.

I’ll touch base more on this subject a few times a month with little tips I learned along the way as well as things that help to keep me on track and focused. I have been promising to make this a weekly thing and I am just working on getting my blogging schedule and life on a system that works. But I have a ton of green juice recipes (which you can find on my old YT channel) and so much more that I use to keep me on top of my goals.

Lastly, I was interviewed by Fitness Motivation Podcast recently after they found my story through my blog and if you have some time – listen to my interview… I do things very differently than the norm and I’ll be sharing these tips with you soon as well.

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About Honey

Aloha from Hawaii! I'm Honey - aka Honeygirl.

I'm a makeup and beauty addict, plus size gal who loves fashion on a budget and major foodie. I have a thing for crafts, stationery and planners. I LOVE being a Wife & Mommy! Come follow my journey as a curly haired 30 something who absolutely loves life! xo Honey